A report into the handling of the Crown Prosecution Service’s decision regarding the killing of three people in Nottingham last June has said the “correct decision” was made.
However, His Majesty’s Crown Prosecution Inspectorate (HMCPSI) recommends the Government changes homicide law and review its impact on victims of serious crime.
The report, commissioned by Attorney General Victoria Prentis KC MP, highlighted that while the CPS followed the law in accepting Calocane’s guilty pleas of manslaughter under grounds of diminished responsibility, the service needs clarity on when victims should be “consulted” rather than “informed” of decisions.
Valdo Calocane brutally stabbed-to-death University of Nottingham Students Grace O’Malley-Kumar and Barnaby Webber, both 19, plus school caretaker Ian Coates, 65, in a city-wide knife rampage in the early hours of 13th June 2023.
Chief Inspector Anthony Rogers, His Majesty’s Crown Prosecution Inspectorate, said: “This was a horrific and tragic case. Valdo Calocane brutally killed three innocent people, and violently attacked three other victims. My thoughts remain with all those involved in this tragic case during this devastating time.
“It is unimaginable having to deal with the death of a loved one under such horrific circumstances, but having to deal with the criminal justice system at a time of heartbreak and grief adds a further dimension of challenge,” he said.
“To better support victims and increase public trust, we call on the government to consider amending the homicide law, review the support provided to victims of crime in serious cases such as this, and provide greater clarity about the role of victims in the criminal justice system,” he added.
The report suggests the Government considers:
The full report states the CPS provided a “good service” to families under the Bereaved Family Scheme and the Victim’s Code of Practice but could have improved engagement with families.
It also acknowledges that the families of the three victims felt unsupported by the CPS.
The families of Grace, Barnaby, and Ian have criticised the CPS, Nottinghamshire Police, plus mental health services for the handling of the case.
A number of other reviews into organisations connected to the case are also active.